How Do I access SOTD?

Visit YourLondon web site

Do I have to pay to use this service?

No. Councils subscribe to the service and provide the information free-of-charge to the Public as part of their obligations under the Freedom of Information Act.

The food business I am interested in is not listed on the website?

It may be that an Inspection has not taken place since January 2006 or that this is a new business. Please note that certain food businesses may also be excluded from the scheme altogether.

Which food businesses are excluded from this scheme?

The following businesses may be excluded from the scheme:

  • Businesses that are operating from a home address are exempted due to data protection issues
  • Mobile traders
  • Some premises handling only low risk foods, such as fruit, vegetables, canned and other ambient shelf stable products
  • Certain manufacturing premises approved under regulation 853/2004
  • Premises where legal action is being considered or is in progress

How is a food business awarded a rating?

Inspections are carried out by authorised Environmental Health Officers and suitably qualified Enforcement Officers in the course of their inspections. The rating given to premises is based on the latest Primary Inspection carried out and as such represents the situation as found by the officer on the day of that inspection.

What if a food business is not displaying its certificate?

It is not a requirement for a food business to display a certificate/star rating. However the latest SOTD rating for any food business inspected since 2006 can be found at YourLondon web site

What are the benefits to the public?

We hope that the scheme will drive up standards of food safety within premises and give the public the opportunity to make an informed choice about where they choose to eat or buy food based on food safety and hygiene standards. They also have access to information they are legally entitled to receive in an easy to understand format.

I have been to a food business that had a good SOTD rating. I felt standards were very poor. What can I do to complain?

You may choose to report your concerns to the food business direct so that they are given an opportunity to put things right. If you are unhappy with their response or think there is a serious food safety issue, then please lodge your complaint with Waltham Forest Direct on 0208 496 3000.

How do I know if the certificate/star sticker on display is valid and genuine?

Following a food safety inspection the previous sticker and certificate will be collected and destroyed. The sticker will have the Officer's signature on the back and will be dated. The sticker and certificate will also have a unique number that can be cross checked with inspection records held by the Council. If you are in doubt or suspect the sticker or certificate on display is not genuine please contact:

Food and Safety Team
Sycamore House
Town Hall Complex
Forest Road
Walthamstow
E17 4JF

Tel 020 8496 2240
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk